20 Products You Should Always Buy Generic

11. Baking and cooking supplies

Evan Lorne / Shutterstock.com

The researchers who wrote the “” study also looked at the shopping patterns of chefs and other food professionals. The pros, they found, use store brands more often than the average grocery shopper. ( from the research showing how likely chefs were to purchase certain foods in either generic or brand-name form.)

The top 10 products that professionals most frequently preferred in generic brands include:

Baking mixes

Baking soda

Powdered sugar

Brown sugar

Baking supplies

If these generics are good enough for professional chefs, consider that they’re probably good enough for you, too.

12. Snack foods

ariwasabi / Shutterstock.com

Who doesn’t love frozen pizza, chips and other snacks? In many cases, you can save money and go with store brands. Professional chefs in the “Do Pharmacists Buy Bayer?” study favored multiple types of generic snacks over branded products. In additional to frozen pizza and snacks, they included:

Spreads and dips

Dried fruit

Pickles and olives

Nuts

Cookies

13. Cleaning products

Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com

Many people use generic or brand-name cleaning products interchangeably, depending on the availability of coupons and sales. Unless you’ve got a favorite cleaner that you believe outperforms all others, you’ll get the job done and save money with generics.

14. Personal-care products

Robert Kneschke / Shutterstock.com

Some store brands of personal-care products have the same active ingredients as name brands and work equally well. Every expensive name-brand product you can drop from your routine –substituting a less-expensive generic version — adds to your bottom line. Try generic or low-cost versions especially of soaps, hand and face creams and moisturizers, facial cleansers, bubble bath and hair products.

15. Gasoline

iscatel / Shutterstock.com

When the whether cheaper gas really hurts a car’s engine, as advertising sometimes claims, the newspaper found that highly advertised additives don’t matter.

“Buy the cheapest gas you can get that’s convenient and close,” Steve Mazor, chief automotive engineer with the Automobile Club of Southern California Automotive Research Center, told the Register. Mazor has been testing gas for more than 30 years.

As long as you’re getting the right octane level for your vehicle, “you might as well use the gas that’s the cheapest,” William Green, a chemical engineering professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, told the newspaper.

16. Fresh produce

Stocker1970 / Shutterstock.com

Prices for fresh produce vary enormously. Local, no-brand fruits and vegetables usually are your best bet. They don’t have to travel as far to reach your table, so they are likely to be fresher and more flavorful. Look for them at farmers markets, independent grocers and farm stands. Generic produce found at Trader Joe’s and in big-box stores like Costco is often an excellent deal, too.

17. Cereal

nenetus / Shutterstock.com

Try out generic versions of your favorite cereal — be that flakes, loops or nuggets. The chances are good you’ll find that store brands and off-brands have the same look and taste for as much as $1 less a box. What’s not to like?

18. Diapers

Alena Ozerova / Shutterstock.com

Many generic diapers do the job as well as brand-name ones, but at huge savings. Of course, not all generic diapers are created equal. Test the off-brands for yourself, buying a small package before investing in bulk purchases.

19. Soda pop

Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock.com

Is brand-name soda really better-tasting? The answer, it turns out, is quite complicated.

We are not suggesting that all generic cola is as good as its brand-name equivalents. But consider this: Repeatedly in taste tests, subjects tell researchers they prefer what they think is a brand-name drink when it’s really a generic.

Of one study, the wrote:

“Interestingly, when the scientists scanned the subjects’ brains using MRI technology, drinking what they thought was name brand soda created activity in the reward center of their brains. But drinking what they thought was generic soda triggered activity in … the part of the brain used to make value judgments.

Scientists believe that when we use ‘brand name’ products, we already assume that they’re of good quality, so the part of our brain used to assess whether something is worthy of appreciation shuts off, so we take more pleasure in the experience.”

If you ignored the common prejudice toward famous national soda brands, could you enjoy a generic soda as much as your favorite brand? Why not give it a shot? You’ll certainly save money.

20. Packaged salad and fruit mixes

kdshutterman / Shutterstock.com

Buying a national brand’s cut fruit or prepared salad does not guarantee freshness. Many grocery stores offer their own salads and cut fruit, often prepared on-site. If the price is better, give the store brand a try.

What generics do you recommend? Are there more expensive name-brand products you swear by? Share with us in comments below or on our .

Sign up for our free newsletter!

Marilyn Lewis

After a career in daily newspapers I moved to the world of online news in 2001. I specialize in writing about personal finance, real estate and retirement. I love how the Internet ... More

After a career in daily newspapers I moved to the world of online news in 2001. I specialize in writing about personal finance, real estate and retirement. I love how the Internet brings readers and writers together. Talk to me at [email protected]

Find the best:

Gillette.com offers its for free with free shipping after you fill out this . This newly launched men's razor is specifically designed for men with sensitive skin and razor bumps. You'd pay about $7 for one of these razors in your local drugstore. Note that it's unclear how many samples are available.

Gillette.com offers its Gillette Men's SkinGuard Razor Sample for free with free shipping after you fill out this form. This ... Read
more.

Updated: December 30, 2018

Wish you could afford a Van Gogh piece? Well, you're in luck. Kind of. The Van Gogh Museum again offers a selection of for free. This is pretty much the same as owning an original, right? Well, those are valued at $100 million and aren't for sale. However, you could always print these out and hang them on the wall to achieve the illusion of grandeur. And isn't that what life's all about? The illusion of grandeur.

For in-store pickup only, Lowe's offers the for $3.49. Opt for in-store pickup to dodge the $5.99 shipping fee. That's $10 off and the lowest price we could find. Deal ends January 4. Update: Note that pickup availability may now vary by ZIP code.

Home & Cook takes 40% to 85% off a selection of during its . (Enter your email address to view the sale.) Plus, all orders receive free shipping. (It's advertised as $5.95 flat-rate shipping, but it's not currently charging for it.) That yields huge savings on this cookware, with many items costing only a fraction of the price most major retailers charge. Note: These factory-second items may show minor cosmetic blemishes or dents, but there will be no defects that affect performance. All items are final sale. Update: Shipping is now $5.95.

Lucky Brand takes up to 75% off select men's and women's clearance styles as part of its Ultimate Weekend Sale. ... Read
more.

Updated: 3 days 20 hr ago

Oakley takes 70% off its , with prices starting at $12. (Prices are as marked.) Plus, all orders receive free shipping. Some exclusions may apply. A couple of best bets: for $24 (low by $16) for $54 (pictured, low by $71)

Oakley takes 70% off its men's sale apparel and accessories, with prices starting at $12. (Prices are as marked.) Plus, ... Read
more.

Updated: 3 days 1 hr ago

YouTube continues to offer a selection of for free (with ads). That's tied with our mention from a month ago and around $3 to $5 less than you'd pay for a rental of these movies elsewhere. Movies include The Terminator (pictured), Europa Report, All Dogs Go to Heaven, and Zookeeper.

takes up to 40% off a selection of , with prices starting from $3.99 $1.99. Shipping adds $6.99, or get free shipping on orders of $50 or more. (In-store pickup may also be available.) It's the first major clearance sale we've seen in over a year.

Duluth Trading Co. takes up to 40% off a selection of clearance styles and items, with prices starting from $3.99 ... Read
more.

Updated: 5 days 25 min ago

takes up to 40% off a selection of items via its . (Prices are as marked.) Choose in-store pickup to avoid the $5.99 shipping fee, or get free shipping with orders of $35 or more. A couple of best bets: for $3.77 (low by $1) for $69.99 (pictured, low by $6)

Walmart takes up to 40% off a selection of items via its End of Year Home Clearance. (Prices are as ... Read
more.

Updated: December 28, 2018

Columbia offers its in Black for $49.99. Coupon code "STAYWARM" cuts the price to $39.99. Plus, Greater Rewards members receive free shipping. (Not a member? It's free to .) That's tied with last week's mention, $60 off list, and a low price for a Columbia waterproof jacket. It's available in sizes XS to M. Deal ends January 29.

Macy's takes 25% to 70% off a selection of . Opt for in-store pickup, where possible, to avoid the $10.95 shipping charge. (Orders of $99 or more bag free shipping, except in cases requiring oversized shipping/white glove delivery, as below) A couple of best bets, each with $99 $48 for shipping: for $629 ($800 off) for $1,348 (pictured, $1,141 off)

Olay offers a sample of its Olay REgenerist Whip Cream for free when you fill out this form. That ties ... Read
more.

Updated: November 30, 2018

Macy's discounts a selection of , with prices starting at $1.99. (Prices are as marked.) Opt for in-store pickup where available to avoid the $10.95 shipping fee, or spend $99 or more to bag free shipping. A couple of best bets: for $9 (low by $13) from $12.97 $8.99 (pictured, at least $13 off)

Macy's discounts a selection of Christmas decorations, with prices starting at $1.99. (Prices are as marked.) Opt for in-store pickup ... Read
more.

Updated: 3 days 1 hr ago

Walmart discounts a selection of , with prices starting at $5 $5.50. Choose in-store pickup on most items to dodge the shipping fees, which start at $5.99. A couple of best bets: for $14 (low by $3) for $14.40 (pictured, $3 off)

take up to 70% off a range of during its . Opt for in-store pickup to avoid shipping costs, which start at $5.99. (Free shipping is available for select items or on orders of $49 or more via coupon code "263867".) A couple of best bets: for $69.99 (low by $30) for $119 (pictured, $31 off)

Northern Tool take up to 70% off a range of tools, apparel, storage, automotive items, and more during its Inventory ... Read
more.

Updated: 6 hr 59 min ago

Proozy Outlet via eBay offers in several colors (Urban Navy/Shady Blue pictured) for $59.99 $53.99 with free shipping. Although we saw it for $9 less last July, that's still the lowest price we could find today by $40, with most retailers charging around $150. It's available in select sizes from S to 3XL. Note: This item is new but may not include a tag.

Walmart offers the for $9.94. Opt for in-store pickup to dodge the $5.99 shipping fee. That's tied with our mention from two weeks ago and the lowest price we could find by $20 today. It features three blades, and fits all Mach3 blade refills.

Southwest Airlines via DealBase discounts select , with prices starting at $48.98. (On the DealBase landing page, click on "Southwest Airlines" in the top line to see this sale; we found lower fares within.) That's the lowest price we could find for select routes by at least $23. This price is valid for flights departing on February 5 from Burbank, CA, (BUR) with arrival in San Jose, CA, (SJC). Note that blackout dates and other conditions may apply. Book this travel deal by January 24 for travel from January 29 through May 22. All prices, dates, and booking details were valid at the time of publication.

PUMA via Rakuten continues to offer its in Gray or Black for $29.99. Coupon code "APPAREL20" cuts that to $23.99. With free shipping, that's tied with our mention from a week ago as the best deal we've seen. (It's the lowest price now by $12.) They're available in select sizes from 7 to 13. Deal ends January 21. Note: The coupon can be used once per account.

Cruises.com via ShermansTravel discounts select with prices starting from $189 per person. Plus, bag , , or on select sailings. Additional fees may apply. Book this travel deal by January 24 for cruises through 2020.

Participating IHOP locations offer All-You-Can Eat-Pancakes for $4.99. That's the best deal we've seen on large quantities of pancakes. Click ... Read
more.

Updated: 2 weeks 1 day ago

32 Degrees continues to offer its in Light Grey for $29.99 with free shipping. That's tied with last week's mention, $100 off list, and the lowest price we could find. It's available in sizes M and L S to XL. Note: This item is final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged. Update: Apply coupon code "FREE" to yield free shipping.

Rakuten takes an extra 20% off a selection of via coupon code "APPAREL20". (It's applicable for up to $30 off.) Plus, most orders receive free shipping. Deal ends January 21. A couple of best bets, with prices after coupon: for $35.99 ($159 off) for $35.99 (pictured, low by $19)

Whether you're looking to shop some deep discounts at Amazon or Walmart, or looking for a great bargain to boost your new year's fitness goals, the last week has seen some extremely popular sales. In fact, let's look at five of the week's hottest deals: for $499 + free s&h : Up to 50% off + free s&h w/ $49 : Up to 50% off + free s&h : Extra 50% off + free s&h w/ $125

Whether you're looking to shop some deep discounts at Amazon or Walmart, or looking for a great bargain to boost ... Read
more.

Updated: 1 week 1 day ago

It's the first weekend of 2019, and you know what that means: time to buy a cool wall clock! Maybe you didn't actually know that, but now you do. Here's that clock, and four other super-hot deals from the last week: for $16.99 + free s&h : Extra $50 to $100 off + free s&h : Up to 75% off + free s&h : Up to 50% off + free s&h w/ $49 for $9.96 + free s&h w/ beauty item

Backcountry takes up to 60% off a selection of The North Face apparel, shoes, accessories, and gear. (Prices are as ... Read
more.

Updated: 4 days 5 hr ago

Available for in-store pickup only, Petco offers the for $10.09. Select your nearest store and add the tank to your cart to drop the price to $9.08. That's $6 off list and is the lowest price we could find. It is suitable for freshwater or marine inhabitants with silicone edges.

Udemy offers the for $9.99. Coupon code "FREECOUPON" makes it free. That's tied with our mention from two weeks ago, $200 off list, and the best price we could find. It includes lifetime access to over six hours of on-demand video and 13 articles.